Things to Bring With You:
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Phone/camera - Use it to take photos of anything that concerns you or you want to take note of.
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Phone charger - Aside from keeping your phone alive, you can use it to test the electrical outlets around the house.
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The home inspection report - You can use it to review the issues flagged by the inspector and check if the seller completed the negotiated repairs.
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Your home purchase agreement - This is your legally binding contract that lays out the terms agreed upon by both parties of the transaction.
What You Should Be Looking For:
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The home should be clean.
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All the negotiated repairs have been completed, with proof of receipt validating that the work was taken care of with the date.
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All appliances included in the sale should be clean and functioning properly.
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All fixtures, such as doorknobs, cabinet handles, etc., should be included and in place unless it was indicated in writing that they would be the property of the seller.
Specific Items to Check:
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Open and close all doors and windows and make sure they lock correctly.
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Check to see if any windows have broken or missing screens.
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Are all the items you’ve purchased with the house still present? Are the appliances the same as when you went under contract?
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Test out both heating and cooling using the HVAC system, even if it's freezing or scorching hot outside, and see if they’re working satisfactorily.
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Turn on and off all the light switches and ceiling fans.
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Plug your phone charger in every electrical outlet to make sure they’re functional.
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Inspect all walls, ceilings, and floors to check if there’s any damage or mold that wasn’t there before, especially in spaces where there used to be furniture.
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Run the garbage disposal.
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Run the exhaust fans or extractor fans in the kitchen and bathrooms.
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Test all faucets and the shower head to make sure they have both hot and cold water.
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Check the bathrooms and make sure they’re free from any mold, leaks, and water damage (check inside cabinets and vanities).
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Flush toilets to check for leaks.
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Test out all garage doors, doorbells, and any smart security systems.
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Make sure that all garbage, debris, personal belongings, and other items have been removed.
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Check for any sprinkler systems or landscaping changes.
Things to Remember:
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Know the people who should attend the final walkthrough with you. Your real estate agent should accompany you and be your “human checklist” while going through the property. Hopefully, the seller has already moved out, so you and your agent can have all the freedom to inspect the home thoroughly and without pressure.
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The final walkthrough is not a home inspection. It's to make sure that the home is in an acceptable and livable condition, free from any surprise damages that weren’t there when you last saw it. It’s also your chance to make sure all repairs you and the seller agreed in writing have been completed before finally getting your house keys.
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Practice patience and take your time. Don’t rush. Remember that this is your last chance to give the property a full look over before it’s all yours. Whether it takes a few minutes or more than an hour (depending on the size of the property), don’t shy away from inspecting and verifying all items that need attention.
